Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66997 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66997 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
The only honest thing.
I think about Jude’s face tonight, the way his eyes pierced through to my soul, the betrayal. The heartache. Does he know how often I dream of those eyes? Of the way they pinned me in place every single time? At the way I used to stare into them when we were in his bedroom, when our kiss shattered both of our futures in ways we couldn’t have possibly grasped?
I try to clear my head, but it’s nearly impossible, so rather than fake it, for once since moving, since pretending to be just Lilah and fine, I find my voice, and I speak the truth of the words I’m reading in the book. The only truth I think I have left, the written word. I give a thumbs up to the booth. The green ‘on air’ sign clicks on as I tap the iPad in front of me. “Welcome listeners, tonight we’ll be continuing our story of The Count of Monte Cristo, a story about revenge, betrayal, and love.” Ironic, is it not? I take a deep breath. “As always thank you for joining me live this evening you can comment on our social media pages and make sure to give me some good feedback, now sit back, close your eyes, and go on a journey with me.” I read and I let myself get carried away into a different world where the good guys win and the bad guys lose and wish desperately it was that black and white.
I could see the listeners in real time out of the corner of my eye. He was back. Whoever he was. Sleepyhead was tuning in. After a commercial break, I look down and see a comment. “Just what I needed after a hell day today, thank you L.” I just used a letter as my handle it was easier that way. I quickly reply. “It’s my pleasure sleepyhead, now close your eyes and get some sleep.” He replies back right away. “The only way I’ve been able to sleep for years is by listening to your voice. Must be getting old.” I smile and click a heart next to his comment just as the commercial ends.
I’m pretty sure he’s either really lonely or retired. The demographics of the app are all over the place though so who knows. “How are you liking the story?” I clear my throat and take a sip of water. “Let’s keep going, as you know this is my third time reading this story to you all and it’s one of listeners favorite live reads. I came in tired but you all have me rejuvenated. Thank you for your cheerful comments. Let’s dive in again, take a deep breath, focus on my voice and let it be your safety net this evening.”
Two hours later, my voice is hoarse and my energy drink is completely gone. I’d still be able to sleep though so I wasn’t too worried as I grabbed my stuff and left the room. The halls were dark since it was nearing midnight. Sessions only went until two am. One booth’s light was still on. I didn’t stop to see who it was, I knew almost everyone and had met them at the first Christmas party a few years ago, except for a few new hires that liked to hang out together, most of us liked our space.
I walk back to my Jeep and groan. The front left tire is totally flat. Seriously? Ughhhh, I can’t call Charlie she’s probably long gone into sleepy land; the girl falls asleep fast and hard and rarely wakes up for anything. Should I try walking? No, probably not the safest, it’s at least two miles, I could Uber. But Ubering that late at night always freaks me out too.
I quickly pull up the app; since it’s late I really have no choice. To my right I hear the sound of a car rolling up next to me. Not good. Look busy. Keep your eyes on the screen if you have to call 911.
“Car troubles?” Comes the familiar voice.
Jude. I shouldn’t exhale. I do though. Because years ago, he was my safe space even though now I’m pretty sure he’s my enemy. I still can’t believe he’s alive. How many times have I dreamt of this moment? How many times have I cried over someone who’s looking at me like he’d rather run me over with the car then save me with it?
I finally speak. “Sure you weren’t the one who slashed the tire in the first place?”
He smiles. “I’m more clever than that. I feel insulted you’d think I’d be that lame after all this time, De-Lilah.”
“Right, well,” Hands shaking, I keep trying to find a car but he closest is thirty minutes away. Seriously?
“Get in.” He says in a slightly annoyed voice. “I’ll drive you back, I was just meeting with my uncle anyways, the one who apparently hired you. Shocked you’d want anything to do with my family after already getting a measly pay out I’m sure you realized really soon that ten grand really wasn’t that much money hmm?”